I Can't, Eddie... (Steddie)

32

In the next few weeks, Steve and Eddie became inseparable. The rumors around school were in full force. Steve grew slightly queasy anytime he heard someone say something about him and Eddie or give him a funny look but he was trying his absolute hardest to ignore it. Eddie was far better at this than him, but it was a learning process. Steve had to find a way to cope with them that didn't involve beating up everyone who fueled the rumors. First of all, that would take up all of his free time. Also, the rumors were completely true, so he couldn't fault his peers that much. However, the boys maintained the same story as before. An unlikely best friendship had blossomed from their mutual group of younger friends, and they had been stuck like glue ever since. Of course, being young boys on the verge of adulthood, 'stuck like glue' had more implications than anyone else knew —although Robin certainly suspected they had taken their relationship to the next level.

Almost every weekend was spent locked in one of their bedrooms for hours at a time. They seemed to have endless stamina and were enthusiastically providing the evidence Steve claimed to need so badly. When they weren't actively having sex, they were looking forward to the next time they could have sex. However, a week before the upperclass college tour trip to Boston, there was a temporarily distracting thought crowding their brains.

Steve got to school late because his mother was nagging him about his packing list for the trip next week. He had a crumpled envelope in his hand with a return address in Boston and a fancy university seal on it. He sprinted through the hallways, shoving people aside to reach the normal morning spot at a table in the courtyard of school. His little group of friends was huddled around the table. His gaze first snapped to Eddie, who was silently staring at nothing, tapping his foot agitatedly. A matching envelope sat on the table in front of him. Everyone else was chatting amongst themselves. Mike, Dustin, and Lucas were surely discussing D&D with a few of Eddie's bandmates. Even Nancy and Max had shown up, listening to Robin regale them with some exaggerated tale. Steve skidded to a halt and threw himself into the empty seat next to Eddie. Eddie jumped about a mile out of his chair.

"You're very late, Harrington." Eddie accused.

"Yeah, we don't have all day here!" Robin joined in. "Let's get this over with."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry!" Steve apologized, grabbing Eddie's arm and trying to communicate with his eyes.

I love you. I'm so nervous. I'm sorry I was late. Did I mention I love you?

Eddie seemed to get the message well enough. He rolled his eyes and the hint of a smile played at the corners of his mouth. He gently tugged on the envelope in Steve's hand, holding out the one he had for Steve to take. They exchanged the documents and Steve hesitated over the seal. He met Eddie's eyes and raised his eyebrows.

"Ready?"

"Born ready." Eddie winked and slid his finger under the paper. Steve did the same and both boys took a few moments to take the letters out and read the first few words that were deciding their entire future together. The rest of the group leaned in and everyone seemed to collectively hold their breath.

"Ba—Eddie!!!! YOU GOT IN!!!!" Steve exclaimed, jumping up and kicking his chair back.

"SO DID YOU!" Eddie jumped up to match Steve's energy, and everyone around them cheered. Steve grabbed Eddie's shoulders and literally jumped up and down with excitement.

We're actually doing it. We're leaving this town together.

Eddie pulled Steve in for a tight embrace. Steve closed his eyes, willing the happy tears that were forming not to fall.

"I'm so fucking happy," Eddie whispered into Steve's ear.

"I love you so much. Forever." Steve replied quietly.

The hug went on for a few seconds longer than would be expected and Dustin cleared his throat loudly.

"Congratulations you guys! This is so awesome!" He said loudly, kicking Steve's leg subtly.

They broke apart, Steve running a hand through his hair. He couldn't stop himself from beaming at everyone around him. He was ecstatic to have this moment with Eddie, but he was also overjoyed at sharing it with his closest friends. Robin was hastily wiping at her own eyes, and that nearly made Steve start tearing up again. Max was patting Robin on the back kindly. Nancy's eyes were as wide as Steve had ever seen them, but she was smiling too, nodding in agreement with Dustin's congratulatory words.

"This is so great. I'm going to have people on every coast to visit!" Mike mused to himself.

"The music scene is so much better in Boston," Eddie's bass player said. Eddie nodded excitedly.

"Dude, I know. Can you imagine the concerts we'll be able to go to?" Eddie looked off in the distance, lost in his minds eye thinking about all of the bands that would come through the large metropolitan city he would soon be living in. Steve shook his head grinning. He had already resigned himself to attending every single one at Eddie's side.

The small crowd slowly dissipated, everyone heading off to their classes. Nancy hung back and met Steve's eyes. She jerked her head to the side, indicating that she wanted to talk to him. Steve touched Eddie's elbow and murmured "I'll see you in class." Eddie glanced back at Nancy waiting and looked confused but nodded and walked away with Robin, pulling her arm through the crook of his.

"What's up, Nance?" Steve looked down at Nancy, concerned.

"Well, I just—I just wanted to talk to you really quickly." She said. Steve waited for her to continue. She stayed silent and Steve raised his eyebrows.

"Sorry—" she finally said, "it's just—I want you to know, um." She cleared her throat. "I'm really happy for you." She smiled and reached out to touch Steve's arm. "And Eddie. I'm really happy for both of you. Together."

Oh. OH. She knows.

Steve blushed and ran a hand through his hair. Twice. He coughed once and finally forced himself to meet her gaze. She had nothing but kindness in her eyes. They were wide open and bright. She truly was happy for both of them. Steve gave her a small smile in return and nodded.

"Thanks, Nancy. I'm really happy, too. We both are."

"I can see that. It sort of hit me like a truck just now," Nancy laughed, waving a hand casually. "And then I realized, duh. You guys make perfect sense." She shrugged and reached forward again, squeezing Steve's arm. Steve's heart swelled.

"You think so?" He asked, just because he liked hearing the answer.

"Totally." She smiled again and moved toward the building. "Come on, we don't want to be late."

Steve nodded, following her inside and heading to class, feeling absolutely exuberant. He had so many people supporting him, and the path his life was on that had seemed so dark and confusing just a few short months ago was now repaving itself right before his eyes. It was clear now, full of happiness and lots of love.